Breaking: FG scraps 2025 Democracy Day parade

The Federal Government has officially cancelled the traditional military parade for this year’s Democracy Day celebration, slated for Thursday, June 12, 2025.

The announcement was made by the Inter-Ministerial Committee overseeing the Democracy Day programme, which confirmed that the parade—a long-standing fixture of the annual commemoration will not hold this year.

Instead, the day will begin with a nationwide broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 7 a.m., during which he is expected to address Nigerians on the state of the nation and the country’s democratic journey.

At noon, the President will appear before a special joint session of the National Assembly. The event will focus on Nigeria’s democratic development, the need for national unity, and ongoing efforts to reform key institutions.

A public lecture is also scheduled for 4 p.m. at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. The lecture, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Lasting Reforms,” will feature key political figures, policymakers, and civil society leaders reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic strides and challenges.

Although no official reason was given for the parade’s cancellation, a presidency source disclosed that the decision may not be unrelated to last year’s incident where President Tinubu slipped while attempting to climb a ceremonial vehicle during the June 12 parade at Eagle Square, Abuja. The brief stumble sparked significant attention at the time, even though the President quickly regained his composure and continued with the event.

Despite speculation, officials have reiterated that President Tinubu remains in good health and fully committed to strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.

Nigerians are encouraged to tune in to the broadcast and participate in national discussions aimed at deepening democratic values and supporting institutional reforms.